lithium and bipolar 2

[Shnauser]

I am bipolar 2 and have had 5 episodes of depression and some hypomania since age of 20, now over 70. Nevertheless, I was able to obtain a good honours degrees in Science and +2 post graduate management diplomas in Business/ HR. I have had a successful career. This may demonstrate that people can cope with serious mental illnesses. I have had psychiatric treatment with medication and psychotherapy that has kept me well enough. During my treatment about 7 years ago I was put on Lithium, a powerful mood stabiliser and antipsychotic. I was told it is the GOLD standard for treating bipolar and it is true in that it relieves the symptoms very quickly compared with other medications.

However, there is a cost involved in terms of serious side effects. These were shaking hands, urination more frequent, weight gain, water retention through the body and a general feeling of being below par, but not depression. Damage to the kidneys may occur so frequent blood tests to monitor effects.Lithium was discovered in the 1950s and it is a concern that an old medication like this is still in use. I was switched to Lamotrigene that has been just as effective without so far any serious side effects.

[blackcat64013]

Thank you for posting about the success of treatment for you. Therapies of all kinds can certainly make a big difference to the quality of life for people living with a mental illness.